CORONADO, Calif (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Surface Forces has announced the winners of the Navy Battle "E" Award for 2009.

Out of 168 ships, only 36 met the difficult requirements. For the competitive year 2009, only 27 ships were awarded the Battle "E."

"The competition was tough. Having a fleet full of the most highly trained and professional Sailors I've ever seen makes calling just one command the winner very difficult," said Capt. Kurush Morris, assistant chief of staff for Training and Readiness.

Even if a ship meets these challenges, it still has to demonstrate to the Immediate Superior in Command sustained superior performance, operational effectiveness, and continuous readiness to be a contender for the Battle "E."

"As an award recognized across the waterfront, everyone understands that a Battle 'E' ship knows how to do it right," said Morris. "There is an immense pride in walking up the pier and seeing that your ship is the only one with the big white 'E' painted on the bridge wing. Everyone likes being on a winning team."

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